Prescott Real Estate- It’s Chilly Outside
October 13th, 2008 categories: Prescott Homeowners
Did it get cold all at once, or is it me? I always remember October slowly transitioning from warm to cool to cold. This year it feels like the weather went from warm to cold. The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted that this year we will experience a colder than average winter. Having said that, it’s time to get your home ready for cold weather.
Prevent Plumbing freezes
I always start my winterizing with plumbing. A broken pipe is not only a huge inconvenience, but can be costly to repair.
1. Disconnect garden hoses from the faucet. Drain the water from the hose if you don’t want the hose to freeze.
2. Insulate exposed plumping pipes. You can purchase foam wrapping for pipes, heat tape also works well.
3. Drain any outside lines that are at risk of freezing
Inspect windows and doors
Inspect for broken seals around windows and doors. Use weather stripping around the inside of the windows to create a tighter seal.
Check your furnace
Turn on the furnace to make sure it’s working properly. Check it before the weather gets really cold!
Call an HVAC professional if your furnace needs inspecting. Cleaning the duct work isn’t a bad idea either.
Change the furnace filters.
Have your heating duct work inspected. According to the U.S Department of energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if duct work is not well connected and insulated.
Check your chimney
Have your chimney inspected and swept if needed.
Buy a protective chimney cap with a screen. It keeps birds, rain and anything else you don’t want in your chimney out.
Clean rain gutters
Remove leaves and debris from the rain gutter. Clogged or frozen gutters can cause water to back up and seep into the house.
Make sure your gutters carry water away from the foundation of your home.
Insulate yourself
Another thing you can do that costs very little is add insulation. You should have at lease 12 inches of insulation in the attic.
These tips will help you stay warm and save money on your heating bill.
